In 2016, nearly 50,000 Americans had their sight restored through cornea transplantation surgery.

They ranged from newborns to senior citizens and came from all walks of life. Disease or injury damaged their corneas, the clear outside part of the eye, robbing them of their sight. Other treatment options failed, leaving transplantation their only hope to read a book, to drive a car, to enjoy a sunset or to watch their children grow up.

Their sight was restored because caring individuals donated their corneas after they died, providing the essential tissue for transplant – there are no artificial or man-made substitutes. Thankfully, over half the adult population in America are registered as donors.

You can transform the life of someone suffering from corneal blindness; register to be an eye, organ and tissue donor, and let someone see life through your eyes.

“My cornea transplant gave me my life back”

– John C., Cornea Recipient

Kailee Vigen was not yet two when a Christmas tree needle pierced her right eye. The pine needle had to be surgically removed, and Kailee’s eye became infected. Despite constant monitoring and numerous eye drops, her cornea had trouble healing, and for several years Kailee struggled with recurring infections, swelling, and cloudy vision.Read more about Kailee

Born with a corneal defect, Florentino was told he would be completely blind by age 25. Teased and bullied, he had few friends as a child. Florentino underwent transplant at age 25. “Now that my eyesight is restored, I am not afraid anymore; not afraid to do anything.” He is now a chef at a local restaurant and is engaged to his fiancé Inelda.Read more about Florentino